I am glad to have met you (so to speak
). It is amazing how many people on the boarRAB have gone through what we go through and I have found the same excitement that you described, when I found someone who descibed their situation and it reserabled mine, to the tee.
I am pretty sure that in the next month or so, you are going to see a complete turn around when it comes to your spasms etc. It will get easier to learn what you can and can not do. I have found that there are numerous adaptation devices that I uses to make my life easier. It was worth the money to be able to do things that I use to do.
My situation is a little bit different, because although my spine is now pain free, I have had other issues that have arose. My 1st fusion did not fuse, and so I had it done a 2nd time. The 2nd time around, the surgeon placed strong screws in place, so that if the fusion materia was absorbed again, the spine would still be stable, as if the fusion was there. That is what happened, the 2nd time, the fusion material did not harden and was absorbed into my system. But, luckily, the spine is in perfect shape and is held in place solidly, with the screws. After my 1st surgery, I began walking at 3 weeks after the surgery. The 1st time, it was only .05 miles
. Yes, I meant .05 and not .50. I remeraber being disapointed, but ea. day I added a little more and by 2 mo. I was walking 3 miles a day. I could feel the stregnth in my back and I really felt a lot better. The only reason I had to go in for the 2nd surgery, was to change out the screws, because they were small and only meant to be there to help as the fusion was becomming solid. When it did not do that, the screws needed to be replaced.
After the 2nd fusion, I was alot weaker when I got home that time. I think I probably began water excercises at about 3 months. That was my absolute best excercise. It was not hard to do the workouts, at all. I found a water aeobics class, meant for people with arthritis and other disabilites. As a note, there was no running for me, that ealy in the recovery. I think the stress on your back/hips, with each step that hits the ground, may not be good for the fusion, untill 3 mo. (when fusions tend to be solid by). Also, the Dr. told me to only walk and then he ok'd the water therapy, but told me no other excercises at that time. I would like to caution you before you start a more rigurous work out. Pleae ask your Dr. before you start anything new. I know that there were things that I would do and feel ok. But later, the spasms would start. That is not something you want to happen.
I know that my Dr. told me not to use the tread mill unless I used it at a slow speed. I can not remeraber the speed, but I know it was for walkng only, not for jogging or running. So, please be careful. I also want to remind you not to take any anti-inflamatory meRAB. like advil etc.
Please keep me posted on your progress.
Lorie:angel:
